Reading, PA – On Friday, July 31, 2020, due to the ongoing Coronavirus health crisis, Mayor Eddie Moran announced the temporary suspension of all special event permits. The Penn Street Market, managed by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), operated in partnership with the City under a special events permit in the 400 block of Penn Street.
Because the Penn Street Market is rooted in providing access to fresh, local food in downtown Reading, it was critical to identify an alternative location to continue to operate. We are pleased to announce the Reading Parking Authority will host the Penn Street Market for the remainder of the season at the surface lot located in the 500 block of Cherry Street.
With over 70 spaces, the 6th & Cherry lot is a large, open space owned and managed by Reading Parking Authority. The lot provides ample room for vendors to position themselves so market-goers can easily maintain social-distancing guidelines. When held in its original location on the Penn Street sidewalk, maintaining a safe six-foot distance from other shoppers and pedestrians was more challenging.
“The Reading Parking Authority has been a long-time Penn Street Market partner and supporter. We are both thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our collaboration during a critical time while continuing to provide fresh food access in the heart of downtown Reading,” said Aaron Gantz, Executive Director of Downtown Revitalization, GRCA.
The market will continue to operate on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 3 with the same health and safety guidelines in place. The Penn Street Market policies and safety recommendations for customers can be found at PennStMarket.org/plan-your-visit.
